Ducks in NZ test positive for low path bird flu

It has been reported that wild mallard ducks in New Zealand have tested positive for the low pathogenic form of bird flu.

According to Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) Biosecurity New Zealand animal response team manager Dr Andre van Halderen, it was the first time the low-pathogenicity avian influenza strain had been recorded in New Zealand.

A total of 1241 samples of healthy wild birds took place at 7 locations across New Zealand in February as part of AI surveillance, and were collected from mostly mallard ducks and some migratory bird species.

It is reported that since 1975, over 5000 samples have been taken from wild birds in New Zealand.